"Just riding with Sarah," he said without hesitation.Sarah glanced at Zachary, surprised he'd say that in front of Vivian.Vivian was equally shocked by his blunt response.With Charlotte and Lucy watching, she felt humiliated.She fixed her gaze on Sarah, squinting against the harsh sunlight. "Miss Sanders, have you forgotten our conversation in Saint Nock?”Sarah met her stare unflinchingly, her eyes cold as ice. "Miss Wilson, it seems you lied to me in Saint Nock.”“Oh, what do you mean?,” Vivian barely contained her anger.Sarah glanced between Zachary and Charlotte. "Should we really discuss this here? I don't mind, but wouldn't you find it embarrassing?""Miss Sanders, I bear you no ill will. There's no need for such hostility," Vivian said with a gentle smile.Her sincere expression made Sarah hesitate, as if this was a different person from the one who had threatened her and manipulated Linda.Sarah stroked her horse's head, the animal contentedly shifting its hooves
Vivian's hands tightened on the reins as she fixed Charlotte with an icy stare. "Some things are better left unsaid."Charlotte shuddered, not daring to mention Zachary again. She knew she was no match for Vivian.The atmosphere turned cold and tense.Ahead, Sarah clung to the reins in terror as James, Zachary, and Mia raced toward her."Sarah, we're coming!" Mia called out, panic in her voice.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure with fury. Why save that woman? Better if she died.Sarah's horse kept accelerating, heading toward the edge of the grounds where electric fencing and barbed wire formed a barrier.If they hit it, the electricity would frighten the horse even more, making things worse.Zachary analyzed the situation calmly, urging his horse faster.James followed close behind, his face tight with worry. Sarah pulled hard on the reins, trying to stop her horse, but it kept charging forward with wild neighs, heading straight for the wall.Just before impact, Za
On the way back, Zachary supported Sarah. "Your birthday's in two days?""Did Mia tell you?""Why didn't you invite me?" Zachary's voice was subdued.Sarah didn't answer, and Zachary didn't push further.Back at the stables, she caught Vivian's eye and walked directly to her. "Let's talk.""Of course." Vivian followed her to a corner without hesitation."Why did you do it?" Sarah demanded.Vivian feigned innocence. "I don't know what you mean."Sarah took a deep breath. "Vivian, you were the only one behind my horse. You used a needle, didn't you?"Sarah's smile was cold, sending a chill through the air.Everyone listened nearby as Vivian smiled thinly. "Horses often get spooked at riding grounds. It's not unusual."Sarah's expression darkened. "So you're denying it?""I have no idea what you're talking about." Vivian looked down at Sarah from horseback, as if regarding an insect.She stroked her riding crop slowly. Zachary tensed, knowing Vivian was angry.Sarah and Vivi
The freezing water wrapped around her like icy claws, an invisible hand seemingly choking her throat.Suffocating. Still suffocating.Why did Lucy want to hurt her when she'd tried so hard to be kind?Why push her into the river right after they'd made plans to go shopping together?Cold water surrounded her as she sank, unable to open her eyes in the murky river.Another splash sounded, and this time strong arms grabbed her. Instinctively, she clutched their wrist, desperately holding onto this lifeline.Before losing consciousness, she felt a sharp pain in her fingers.She woke up in the hospital with Scarlett caring for her."How did you fall in?" Scarlett asked when she awoke. "Did you fight with James? Even then, you shouldn't jump in."No!She remembered clearly - someone had pushed her!Only she and Lucy had been by the river!It wasn't an accident. Lucy had pushed her.Suddenly, she remembered grabbing Lucy's bracelet as she fell. Where was it?"Scarlett, who brou
Sarah let out a cold laugh. “Why don’t you ask your daughter what she was up to last night? Did she have any witnesses?”Lucy’s eyes flashed with panic. “What nonsense are you spouting? I… I was at home the night before last!”Mrs. Chancer abruptly turned to her daughter, her face stiffening as if she’d suddenly recalled something.“Of course Lucy was at home. I know that for a fact!”Scarlett observed the subtle glances exchanged between the two, and the truth became clear.“Scarlett, let me handle this.” Sarah’s voice was calm but firm as she pushed the blanket aside and got out of bed. She raised a hand to stop Scarlett, who had moved to support her.Walking right up to Lucy, Sarah abruptly swung her hand.Smack!“You just couldn’t resist pushing me into the river, could you?”The crisp sound of the slap was almost drowned out by Sarah’s furious words. Lucy staggered back, clutching her cheek in disbelief.“You… you hit me?!”Scarlett turned sharply to Sarah. “Sarah, is w
Mrs. Chancer looked at Scarlett in shock, then at her daughter, who appeared terrified. She quickly stepped in front of Lucy to shield her.“Sarah! She’s your sister-in-law! How could you even think about calling the police? You might not care about the Chancer’s reputation, but I do!”Just then, the door opened. James entered the room, looking annoyed.“What’s going on now?” he asked impatiently.Lindsey’s expression darkened as she turned to him. “James, some brother you are! Your sister pushed your wife into the river, and all you can say is that?”James glanced at Sarah, then at Lucy.“Lucy, what happened?”Lucy’s eyes filled with tears as she protested, “No, James! She’s accusing me unfairly. I didn’t push her! She fell in on her own, and I tried to save her. That’s how I got scratched!”Mrs. Chancer immediately chimed in to support Lucy. “James, I told you from the beginning not to marry her. Look at what’s happening now—she’s teaming up with outsiders to bully Lucy! Lucy
It’s fine, Vivian will save her this time. Lucy had only pushed Sarah because of Vivian. Vivian would definitely come through for her!And even if Vivian didn’t, her brother could just get her another psychiatric evaluation. Yes, her brother would save her. He always did.At home, Mrs. Chancer cried and argued with James, pleading for him to help Lucy. “She’s your sister!”James, however, remained stone-faced. “Mom, how many times has this happened? She needs to learn her lesson.”With that, he went into his study and locked the door behind him.This time, James had made up his mind. He wasn’t going to bail Lucy out again. It was time for her to grow up.Inside the study, James began searching through his things. He remembered that Sarah had once left a photo album in here. He suddenly recalled that it was tied to one of the times Sarah had gotten hurt—she had even taken a photo of herself to "commemorate" the incident.After nearly half an hour of rummaging, he finally found a
“If it’s nothing, then why won’t you show me?” James took a deep breath and handed the photo album to Charlotte. “Satisfied now?” Charlotte took the album and flipped through it, photo by photo, noticing that most of them were pictures of James alone. “This belongs to Sarah? Why is her stuff here?” Charlotte frowned. She didn’t want Sarah to have any connection to them. James let out a cold, mocking laugh. “She probably forgot about it.” Charlotte didn’t press further, but she couldn’t shake the image of James’s expression while looking at the photo earlier—his eyes had been heavy with emotion, complicated and full of longing. Sensing James’s growing impatience, Charlotte quickly tried to explain. “James, I just feel insecure sometimes. I’m afraid you don’t care about me anymore. It’s only because I care so much about you.” “I know,” James said, his voice laced with exhaustion. ---That day was Sarah’s birthday. The venue was set at Melvin’s villa. The outdoor
Mrs. Chancer anxiously watched Charlotte lying unconscious on the bed, barely hearing anything the hospital director was saying.James had regained his composure after learning that Charlotte was currently stable. He politely responded to the director, "Thank you. Please don't let us keep you from your duties."After speaking, he glanced at the housekeeper.The housekeeper instinctively stepped forward and extended his right hand courteously. "Director, please, let me escort you back."Mrs. Chancer sat on the stool that James had pulled over, staring at Charlotte's pale face with lingering fear, unable to look away for a long time.It wasn't that she truly cared for Charlotte; she was simply afraid of losing her chance to hold her first grandchild.James placed his hand on her shoulder and gently urged, "Mom, you've had a shock. Charlotte is fine now. Why don't you go home and rest?"Mrs. Chancer was still somewhat angry with him. "I'm not leaving. What if you leave the moment I'
She bit her lip hard, regaining some clarity, then shouted toward the stairway, "Help! Someone come quickly! Save my baby!"Before she lost consciousness, several panicked figures appeared in her vision, rushing toward her.The ambulance arrived quickly. Everyone carefully lifted Charlotte inside, where doctors and nurses immediately began emergency procedures.The housekeeper went along in the ambulance to the hospital.On the way, he called both James and Mrs. Chancer, briefly explaining what had happened and giving them the hospital's location.After receiving the call, James put aside his work and rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible.Even though he disliked Charlotte, the child in her womb was his undeniable responsibility.Mrs. Chancer reacted as if the world was ending. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she frantically found a doctor and grabbed his hand, refusing to let go. "Where is my daughter-in-law? Where is she? Is the baby okay?"The doctor she corne
Perhaps due to her extreme emotional state, Charlotte quickly fell asleep.She had a dream.In her dream, she had just gotten off a plane and spotted James in the distance, elegantly leaning against his car waiting for her. In that moment, his eyes were fixed only on her.Charlotte ran toward him happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight.However, halfway there, she saw another woman appear from the side who ran straight into James's welcoming embrace.She could clearly see that James's eyes were filled with affection, without sparing even a glance in her direction."No, this can't be real. Who is she?" Charlotte shook her head in disbelief as she walked closer step by step. When she saw the woman's face, she instantly fell apart."Sarah Sanders, why is it you again? Why do you keep haunting me? James is mine. Don't you dare try to take him away." Charlotte lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to separate them.A mist enveloped the couple, and the scen
The guard at the door was easy to convince. She made up a simple excuse about having a stomachache or needing to see a doctor.The police still sent someone to follow her to the building entrance. When they arrived, the officer blocked her path. "Ms. Garnett, please go back. Without approval, you can't see anyone except your doctor.""Not even my husband? My stomach hurts terribly. I need to see my husband to feel at ease," she pleaded.But the officer wouldn't budge. "Ms. Garnett, please return!"Just then, the officer received a phone call. After listening for a few moments, the officer stepped aside.Charlotte walked in confidently, wearing sunglasses with her head held high.The receptionist greeted her politely, "Miss, who are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?"Charlotte removed her sunglasses, frowning slightly with an annoyed tone, "I'm here to see your CEO, James Chancer. Do I really need an appointment?"The receptionist was new and didn't recognize Charlotte
As Mrs. Sanders kept talking, not only did Sarah stay silent — she actually started laughing.Mrs. Sanders frowned. “What are you laughing at?”Sarah’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm but sharp. “Shouldn’t matters between us younger people be handled by us directly? Wouldn’t it sound bad if word got out that you’re getting involved like this?”She paused for a second, then added with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, no matter what, I’m still the biggest shareholder in Sanders Group. Firing an employee is well within my rights, don’t you think?”Right now, Sarah was actually glad Mrs. Sanders had finally dropped the act and shown her true colors. At least it saved Sarah the trouble of pretending to be polite.Mrs. Sanders still wore the kind, gentle smile of an elder, but her voice turned colder underneath. “So what, you’re using your position to pressure me now?”Sarah laughed softly. “You’re joking. How would I dare?”Without bothering to continue the
Later that night, Sarah went downstairs with her empty glass to get some water. But just as she passed by the living room, she overheard a conversation between Melvin and Mrs. Sanders.“You’re really impossible to talk to, you know that?” Mrs. Sanders sounded both angry and disappointed. “It’s not just me — everyone in the family has been trying to convince you. Sarah studied psychology, not business. She has no experience at all. The entire Sanders Group is depending on you.”Melvin’s voice, on the other hand, was clearly filled with impatience. “I’m pretty sure I told you a long time ago, stop bringing up anything about Sarah.”Mrs. Sanders snorted coldly. “How can I not bring it up? It’s just that you’re willing to work like a fool without asking for anything in return. If you’re just going to be a tool to manage Sanders Group for someone else, I really don’t understand why you’re doing all this.”She paused, then added, “By the way, your aunt hinted to me earlier — she wa
Melvin forced a small smile.He honestly didn’t know how his mother could scold him so viciously over the phone just a few days ago… only to turn around tonight and act like nothing had happened, praising him in front of everyone.Mrs. Sanders finally seemed to notice Sarah as well. She smiled politely and nodded. “Sarah, you’re here too? Come on in.”Many of the Sanders family elders were there tonight. When Uncle Shawn saw Sarah, his face lit up with joy. He quickly pulled her over to sit at the main table beside him.“Sasa, you must have had a rough time in West Ridge. Later, I’ll ask the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes, just for you.”Sarah’s heart warmed at his words. Uncle Shawn really did treat her like his own daughter.But when she glanced to the side, she noticed Mrs. Sanders looking at her coldly — like she was staring at an enemy.Tonight’s birthday banquet wasn’t just a family gathering. Even members of the White family were there.The moment Madam White
Zachary still didn’t respond.Vivian straightened up and slowly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her voice was calm, but every word was filled with accusation.“Zachary, let’s not pretend. We both know perfectly well — while you were gone, Sarah disappeared too. Are you really expecting me to believe that the two of you weren’t together?”She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant view outside.“I always thought that since you agreed to get engaged to me, you’d take responsibility. I believed you wouldn’t be out there tangled up with her. Was I wrong?”Zachary let out a soft, mocking laugh.“You believed.” His voice was low and cold. “But just because you believe something… does that automatically make it true?”Vivian froze — then suddenly let out a loud, crazed laugh, like she had completely lost control.She turned around, her eyes burning as she pointed at him. “Then tell me! Tell me whether it’s true or not! Where exactly did you go? Who were you with?”She to
Vivian smiled sweetly, though her words were sharp underneath.“Like you said, I’m Zachary’s fiancée. Of course, I wouldn’t say anything reckless. Out of responsibility, since this contract was signed by both of us, I have an obligation to make sure things are handled properly.”Her words sounded kind and reasonable on the surface, but everyone in the room could hear the meaning behind them.Mr. Robertson, who had been quietly watching this back-and-forth, already understood exactly what kind of person Vivian was. But between Zachary and Vivian, it was clear where his loyalties lay — with Vivian.“Mr. Steven, why don’t we call Mr. Reynolds over?” Mr. Robertson suggested calmly.Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Zach…”But before he could finish, a deep, cold voice rang out from the doorway.“Mr. Robertson, have you ever thought about the possibility… that these parts aren’t from Reynolds Corporation at all?”The conference room door swung open.Zachary walked in slowly, calm